Triple gold for Niagara College students at Skills Ontario
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Niagara College celebrates its largest graduating class: 7,000 graduates in 2026
June 13, 2026
Years of hard work, sacrifice and determination have led Nashwa Higazy to one of the highest academic honours a Niagara College student can receive.
Originally from Sudan, Higazy received the Governor General’s Silver Academic Medal for her outstanding 94.93% average in the Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Human Resources) degree. She also graduated from the Project Management graduate certificate, after completing the Business Administration – Human Resources advanced diploma in 2024.
Balancing family, work and full-time study
A mother of six, Higazy balanced full-time studies with work and family responsibilities. “When I received the phone call, it honestly felt surreal, like all the sacrifices, long nights, challenges and moments of self-doubt suddenly became worth it,” she said.
She credits her husband and children for keeping her going. “My children have been one of my greatest motivations,” she said. “I wanted to set an example for them by showing the value of education, perseverance, resilience and lifelong learning.”
Learning beyond the classroom
For three years, Higazy worked as a student employee in NC’s Global Business Development department, contributing to projects in student engagement, global education and organizational development. The role let her apply what she learned in class while building leadership, communication and project management skills.
“What excites me most about human resources and leadership is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” she said. “I’m passionate about creating workplaces where people feel valued, supported and empowered to succeed.”
She also praised the care shown by her professors, many of whom stayed after class or offered help beyond their own courses. “Niagara College is more than an educational institution; it is a community that encourages growth, builds confidence and creates opportunities,” she said.
A message to others
Higazy hopes her story encourages others who are balancing many responsibilities while pursuing their goals. “Those experiences taught me resilience, perseverance and the importance of believing in yourself even during uncertain moments,” she said.
